Sonanadi Forest Safari Zone, Jim Corbett National Park

Overview

Sonanadi Sanctuary is spread over 301.18 sqkm of prime forests of the Shiwalik Terai biotic province. Sonanadi literally means the river of gold. Gold panning used to be carried out in the river before the area became a sanctuary. The Palain and the Mandal are the perennial streams of the sanctuary. Historically, it was carved out of Kalagarh Forest Division. It was brought under the umbrella of Project Tiger and became a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991 and also a part of Project Elephant. There are no villages inside the sanctuary. The forests of Sonanadi are remarkable for dense sal and rich bamboo clusters besides other species and is teeming with wildlife.
Sonanadi range is located in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of Corbett National Park. Developed as a natural habitat of wildlife animals and birds, Sonanadi range is blessed with amazing beauty of flora and fauna.Situated in the north of Sonanadi river, this zone is favoruite place for Asiatic Elephant along with tiger, cheetal, sambhar, leopard and reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy over 550 of birds in their natural habitat.

Attractions

Jungle Safari

The visitors can go for an Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari. Both facilities are provided in the Sanctuary. Prior bookings are required for Jeep safari. Tourists can also go for a forest trail with armed guard. This can prove to be real thrilling experience of a life time. Sanctuary is located near Corbett National Park, and tourists can expect to see Asiatic Elephants, Tigers and many other species in their natural Habitat.

Accommodation at Sonanadai Wildlife Sanctuary

Forest Rest Houses are available a Halduparao at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary located between the rivers Palain and Sonanadi, Loha chaur and Rathuadhab.

FLora & Fauna

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with a surprise package loaded with various faunas, when it comes to the fauna part. The sanctuary is match with the typical North Indian tropical forests.
The Wildlife reserve is the shelter to about 600 types of resident and migratory birds. The diversity of avifauna in Sonanadi Sanctuary represents approximately 6% of the total bird species in the world. The profuse gathering of bird species in the sanctuary offers a prospect to view 150 species of birds in a limited visit in Sonanadi Sanctuary. The kinds of Birds normally seen here are, Thrushes, Pheasants, Hornbills, Warblers, Flycatchers, Wall Creeper, Changeable Hawk Eagle, emerald Dove, Himalayan Bearded Vulture, Falcon, Brown Fish Owls, etc.
Mammals found in the wildlife sanctuary are Leopard, Sambhar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Goral, Otter, Porcupine, Yellow-Throated Marten and Sloth Bear. The giants like Elephants and Tigers are favorites among the visitoINR A large display of reptiles like Python, Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, Different kind of Turtles, Gharials, Mugger, Mahaseer, and Indian Trout etc.